QUINOA

Geek talk: Chenopodium quinoa

But we talk: Goosefoot, Qin-wah & Bathua

Description: Quinoa, pseudo-grain, is mainly grown for its edible seeds. It is a “super food”, considered as the most nutritious grain in the world and considered by the Incas to be "the mother of all grains." The Incas began to cultivate quinoa over 5000 years ago believing that it gave power and stamina to their warriors.

Quinoa can be classified according to its saponin concentrations as either "sweet" (saponin free or having less than 0.11% saponins) or "bitter" (containing more than 0.11% saponins). The saponins in Quinoa represent the major anti-nutritional factor found in the grain. However, most of these saponins are concentrated in the outer layers of the grain, which facilitates their removal industrially by abrasive dehulling or traditionally by washing the grains with water.[1, 2]

FAO has officially declared that the year 2013 be recognized as "The International Year of the Quinoa” and declared quinoa as a food with "high nutritive value” having an important role to play in the achievement of food security worldwide.[3]

“While no single food can supply all the essential life sustaining nutrients, quinoa comes as close as any other in the plant or animal kingdom.”

NASA has proposed as an ideal food for long-duration space flights

In times of drought, when other crops in quinoa-growing areas fail, quinoa can actually increase its yields. The crop can thrive on as little as three to four inches of annual rainfall.Kitchen Pharmacy: In comparison to wheat, quinoa is higher in fat content and can provide valuable amounts of heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fat. The processes of boiling, simmering, and steaming quinoa do not appear to significantly compromise the quality of quinoa's fatty acids, allowing us to enjoy its cooked texture and flavor while maintaining this nutrient benefit.[4]

It is naturally gluten free, making it excellent food for celiac patients or for people following gluten-free diet

It contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains

It is high in Riboflavin (B2), which helps improve energy metabolism and help create proper energy production

It is a complete protein containing all amino acids. Quinoa is a very good source of antioxidant-promoting manganese and a good source of heart-healthy magnesium, folate, and fiber, as well as bone-building phosphorus and copper